Hat making kit and packaging method therefore

ABSTRACT

A kit for creating a knitted garment such as a hat. The kit includes a length of yarn, a topper, a stabilizer, and optionally instructions for creating the garment from the yarn, topper and stabilizer. A method of packaging the kit is also provided.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/106,873 filed on Jan. 23, 2015 and entitled, “Hat making kit and packaging method therefore.” The contents of the provisional application are incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a kit for the construction of a finished product, particularly knitted products. The present disclosure also relates to a method for making a knitted product. The present disclosure also relates to methods of packaging the kit for an effective presentation to the purchaser.

BACKGROUND

Knitting and crocheting hand-made garments is a custom that is often passed down from generation to generation, providing a skill that can be used for a lifetime. While hand-made clothing is no longer a necessity for many people, many still enjoy the hobby of knitting or crocheting garments, blankets, or any number of other items in a large variety of patterns and colors.

There continues to be an opportunity to package and combine a novel set of elements to attract a potential customer with a user friendly design that would appeal to the creator of the finished product, such as a stitcher, as well as the recipient of the finished product.

SUMMARY

This disclosure includes a kit for creating a knitted garment, such as a hat. The kit can include yarn, a topper, a stabilizer, and optionally instructions for creating the garment from the yarn, topper, and stabilizer. In one embodiment, the yarn can be a continuous length with at least two segments or at least three segments that can be either different colors or textures or both. In another embodiment, the length of yarn is at least 40 meters or at least 50 meters or at least 60 meters or at least 70 meters or at least 80 meters or at least 90 meters. In one embodiment, the topper has an ornament and a retentioner. In one embodiment, the stabilizer has a disk-like shape and at least one through-hole.

This disclosure also includes a method for packaging a kit of items used to knit a garment, such as a hat. The method can include wrapping yarn into a generally spherical shape. The method further comprises placing a wrapper, the wrapper, optionally being printed with a set of instructions and/or product identifying labels, adjacent to the yarn such that an aperture through the wrapper generally corresponds with an axis through the middle of the wrapped yarn. The method may also include mounting a topper upon the wrapped yarn by passing at least a portion of the topper through the aperture of the wrapper and generally though the center of the wrapped yarn. The method may include attaching a stabilizer to the wrapper, encircling the yarn with the wrapper, and connecting together the ends of the wrapper to complete the package.

This disclosure also includes a method for making a knitted garment such as a hat using the described kits. The knitted garment can be made using knitting or crocheting techniques.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiments, when considered in conjunction with the drawings. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a kit.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of an unpackaged kit.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a yarn.

FIG. 4 shows a non-limiting embodiment of instructions.

FIG. 5 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a final garment created using the kit shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a non-limiting embodiment of one step of the packaging process

FIG. 7 shows a non-limiting embodiment of another step of the packaging process.

FIG. 8 shows a non-limiting embodiment of yet another step of the packaging process.

The foregoing and still other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed explanation of embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described below and illustrated in the accompanying figures, in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views. The embodiments described provide examples and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention. Other embodiments, and modifications and improvements of the described embodiments, will occur to those skilled in the art and all such other embodiments, modifications and improvements are within the scope of the present invention. Features from one embodiment or aspect may be combined with features from any other embodiment or aspect in any appropriate combination. For example, any individual or collective features of method aspects or embodiments may be applied to apparatus, product or component aspects or embodiments and vice versa.

When the terms “one,” “a,” or “an” are used in this disclosure, they mean “at least one” or “one or more,” unless otherwise indicated. The terms “invention” or “present invention” as used herein are intended to be non-limiting and are not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular invention but encompasses all possible embodiments as described in the specification and the claims. The term “knitted” as used herein refers to a set of connected loops from a series of yarns. Methods for manufacturing knitted items include, but are not limited to knitting and crocheting. The term “stitcher” as used herein refers to a person who is capable of making a knitted item.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a kit 1 packaged according to a non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure. The non-limiting elements of the kit 1 are shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows the kit 1 having yarn 10 that can be wrapped into a generally spherical shaped ball, a topper 20, a stabilizer 30 and a wrapper 40. Each element is discussed in more detail below.

The yarn 10 is shown in a relatively unraveled or unwrapped configuration in FIG. 3. As seen in FIG. 3, the yarn 10 may include a plurality of segments. In one embodiment, the segments may have different colors. In another embodiment, a single segment may have more than one color (e.g. heathered, tweed, marled or ombre). In another embodiment, the segments may have different textures. In another embodiment, a single segment may have more than one texture. In another embodiment, the segments may have different weight or thicknesses. In another embodiment, a single segment may have more than one weight or thickness. In another embodiment the length of the segments may vary with some segments being longer than others. In another embodiment, a segment may be repeated in the length of yarn. In another embodiment, a repeated segment may be different lengths. In one embodiment, the segments may be part of a single continuous strand of yarn. In another embodiment, the segments may be part of more than one strand of yarn.

In one embodiment, the yarn has at least two different segments. In another embodiment, the yarn has at least three different segments. In another embodiment, the yarn has at least four different segments. In another embodiment, the yarn has at least five different segments. In another embodiment, the yarn has at least six or seven or eight or nine or ten different segments. In one embodiment, a segment is repeated at least twice. In another embodiment, a segment is repeated at least three times. In another embodiment, a segment is repeated at least four times. In another embodiment, a segment is repeated at least five times. In another embodiment, a segment is repeated at least six or seven or eight or nine or ten times.

In one embodiment, the yarn segments include at least two different colors. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least three different colors. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least four different colors. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least five different colors. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least six different colors. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least seven different colors. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least eight different colors. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least nine different colors. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least ten different colors.

In one embodiment, the yarn segments include at least two different textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least three different textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least four different textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least five different textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least six different textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least seven different textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least eight different textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least nine different textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least ten different textures.

In one embodiment, the yarn segments include at least two different colors and textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least three different colors and textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least four different colors and textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least five different colors and textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least six different colors and textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least seven different colors and textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least eight different colors and textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least nine different colors and textures. In another embodiment, the yarn segments include at least ten different colors and textures.

In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the yarn 10 includes a plurality of first segments 12, a plurality of second segments 14, and a plurality of third segments 16. In this embodiment, the yarn 10 is a single continuously attached length with the segments joined together at joining locations 18, so that a stitcher, the person who creates the final garment, does not have to change spools when knitting the final garment 100 (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, the segments are shown as joined together in the following pattern: a first segment 12, a second segment 14, a third segment 16, another first segment 12, another second segment 14, another third segment 16, and a final first segment 12, as seen in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the yarn 10 starts and ends with a first segment 12. This way the stitcher could start the project from either end of the yarn 10. In other embodiments the total number of segments may vary. In other embodiments, the pattern of segments may vary. While FIG. 3 illustrates three unique segment types, there could be more or fewer segment types. As noted above, the length of each segment varies and may be predetermined based upon the knitting pattern being used and the desired completed appearance of the final garment 100.

The yarn 10 should be selected from materials suitable for use with a final garment 100. Non-limiting material selection considerations include heat retention, softness, texture, allergies or skin sensitivities, weight/thickness/bulkiness, water repellency, elasticity, durability, washability, stain resistance, felting, fading, shrinking, and shape retention. The materials used to make the yarn can be natural, synthetic, or blends. For example, if a hat is desired, warm, soft materials or blends may be used. As one non-limiting example, a blend of acrylic and nylon may be used. In another non-limiting example, a blend of 78% acrylic and 22% nylon may be used. The yarn 10 may also vary in length based on the size of the final garment 100. In one embodiment, the yarn 10 is at least 40 meters in length. In another embodiment, the yarn 10 is at least 50 meters in length. In another embodiment, the yarn 10 is at least 60 meters in length. In another embodiment, the yarn 10 is at least 70 meters in length. In another embodiment, the yarn 10 is at least 80 meters in length. In another embodiment, the yarn 10 is at least 90 meters in length. In another embodiment, the yarn 10 is at least 100 meters in length. In another embodiment, the yarn 10 is at least 110 or 120 or 130 or 140 or 150 meters in length.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first segments 12 may have a first color pattern and first texture; the second segments 14 may have a second color pattern and second texture; and the third segments 16 may have a third color pattern and third texture. In one embodiment, the first and second color patterns are different, but the first and second textures are substantially the same. In the same embodiment, the third segments 16 combine the first and second colors and the third texture may be felted to provide the third texture with a feel distinct from the first and second textures.

Turning back to FIG. 2, the topper 20 can include an ornament 22, and the retentioner 24. In general the retentioner 24 is used to attach ornament 22 to a knitted garment such that ornament 22 is visible on outer surface of the final garment, whereas the retentioner 24 is mainly visible on the inner surface of the final garment.

The ornament 22 may take any number of shapes and configurations. In one embodiment, the ornament 22 is a three-dimensional pre-made plush object. Non-limiting examples of plush objects include representation of an animal or animal part or animal head such as domestic animals (e.g. dog, cat, bunny rabbit, pig, horse, cow, etc.), zoo animals (e.g. koala, kangaroo, giraffe, monkey, elephant, lion, tiger, bear, fox, otter, etc.), birds (e.g. owl, penguin, parrot, etc.), reptiles (e.g. turtle, lizard, snakes, alligator/crocodile, etc.), amphibians (e.g. frogs, etc.), aquatic animals (e.g. dolphin, turtle, shark, fish, octopus, etc.), prehistoric animals (e.g. dinosaurs) and mythical animals (e.g. unicorn, dragon, flying horse, flying pig, griffin, phoenix, mermaid, etc.); representation of a sport or sports team (e.g. sports ball, sports equipment, team mascot, team logo, NFL logos, NCAA logos, symbol associated with a team, etc.); representation of literary or fictional characters (e.g. Cheshire cat, Cat in the Hat, Grinch, Toothless, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Tinkerbelle, Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse, curious George, etc.); representation of cartoons, comics, or superheroes (e.g. Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Star Wars, Disney, Pixar, Looney Tunes, etc.); representation of a holiday such as Christmas (e.g. tree, snowflake, Santa, elf, reindeer, star, ornament, stocking, etc.), Hanukkah (e.g. dreidel, menorah, star of David, gelt, etc.), Halloween (e.g. pumpkin, ghost, etc.), Thanksgiving (e.g. turkey, etc.), St. Patrick's day (e.g. clover, pot of gold, etc.), valentines day (e.g. heart, cupid, etc.), New year's, fourth of July, etc.; representation of season (e.g. snowflake, snowman, flower, leaf, etc.); and representation of a religious or philosophical belief (e.g. cross, star of David, Ganesh, Buddha, yin yang, om, etc.). Generally, the ornament 22 is not capable of being created by knitting techniques using the yarn 10.

The retentioner 24 is connected to the ornament 22 and used for attaching the ornament 22 to the final garment 100. In one embodiment, the retentioner 24 is a strap. In one embodiment, the retentioner 24 may have at least one strap. In another embodiment, the retentioner 24 may have at least two straps. In another embodiment, the retentioner 24 may have more than 2 straps. In another embodiment, the retentioner 24 could be loops. In other embodiments, the retentioner 24 could be a button, or equivalent structure, for passing through a smaller or differently shaped opening to provide retention. The retentioner 24 may be made from a variety of materials. Non-limiting examples of materials for straps or loops include ribbon, yarn, tape, strips plastic, strips of fabric, fishing line, rope, twine, cord, and braids. The retentioner 24, as shown in FIG. 2, is two straps made from a ribbon. The retentioner 24 should be of sufficient length to secure the topper 20 to the final garment 100. The retentioner 24 should also be of sufficient length to retain the topper 20 as part of the packaged kit 1 shown in FIG. 1.

Continuing with FIG. 2, stabilizer 30 may be used to secure the topper 20 to the final garment 100, as shown in FIG. 4. The use of the stabilizer 30 assists with maintaining the ornament 22 in a generally upright orientation when the final garment 100 is being worn. The stabilizer 30 may be provided with one or more through-holes 32 through which the retentioner 24 may be pulled and securely tied in a removable or non-removable fashion. In one embodiment, the number of through-holes may correspond with a number of straps of the retentioner 24. In another embodiment, the one or more through-holes 32 may be grooves on the edge of the stabilizer 30 to clip a portion of the retentioner 24.

In one embodiment, the stabilizer 30 may be disk shaped, e.g. relatively round and relatively flat, for a comfortable fit. The stabilizer 30 could be other shapes as well, which provide the function of positioning the retentioner 24. Non-limiting shapes or structures include oval, annular, c-clip, hexagonal, octagonal, triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc. The stabilizer 30 may be formed from a variety of materials that are generally lightweight, have some flexibility, and avoids discomfort to the wearer of the final garment 100. In some embodiments, the material can also have a smooth or soft surface. In one embodiment, the stabilizer is made from a lightweight, soft, and flexible material. Non-limiting examples include foam, plastic, wood, metal, polymer, etc.

The dimensions of the stabilizer 30 are such that it is large enough to be able to support the ornament 22 in an upright manner yet small enough such that the wearer of the garment does not notice it when wearing the garment. Additionally, the stabilizer should be large enough to reduce the hazard of choking in infants, babies, toddlers, and kids. In general, the diameter and thickness of the stabilizer 30 depends on the strength and rigidity of the material from which it is made. In one embodiment, the stabilizer is at least one inch as measured across the longest diameter. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is at least 1.5 inches as measured across the longest diameter. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is at least 1.75 inches as measured across the longest diameter. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is at least two inches as measured across the longest diameter. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is at least three inches as measured across the longest diameter. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is at least four inches as measure across the longest diameter. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is at least five inches as measure across the longest diameter. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is at least six inches as measure across the longest diameter. In one embodiment, the stabilizer is less than 2 inches thick. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is less than 1.5 inches thick. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is less than 1 inch thick. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is less than 0.5 inches thick. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is less than 0.25 inches thick. In one embodiment, the stabilizer weighs less than three ounces. In another embodiment, the stabilizer weighs less than two ounces. In another embodiment, the stabilizer weighs less than one ounce. In another embodiment, the stabilizer weighs less than half an ounce. In another embodiment, the stabilizer weighs less than a quarter of an ounce.

Continuing with FIG. 2, the wrapper 40 can be printed with instructions 42 on an inner surface thereof. Alternatively, the instructions 42 may be printed on an outer surface of the wrapper 40. In even other embodiments, the instructions 42 may be provided separate from the wrapper 40. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the wrapper 40 may be printed with labels or other product identification features (see FIG. 7). The instructions 42 may include the written or visual description of a pattern for knitting the yarn 10 into a body 110 of a final garment 100 (see FIG. 5).

A non-limiting example of instructions 42 for knitting the body 110 may be:

-   -   Using a US X, Y-inch needle, cast on A stitches.     -   Place a marker and join, being careful not to twist the         stitches.     -   Work K2, P2 rib for B rounds.     -   Work the next C rounds in stockinette stich.     -   Knit the next round, adding makers after every D stitches.     -   6-Point Spiral: Switch to double pointed needles as needed. Knit         2 stitches before the first marker, K2tog. Repeat at each marker         until 6 stitches remain.     -   Finishing: allowing 8 inches, cut yarn and thread onto a yarn         needle. Draw the yarn through the remaining live stitches twice         and secure. Weave in ends.         Where X and Y represent knitting needle size. In one embodiment,         the knitting needle size can range from a size 7 to 10, 16-inch         needle. In another embodiment, the needle can be circular. Where         A, B, C, and D may be predetermined quantities or varied         quantities based on the desired size of the final garment 100         (see FIG. 5).

A non-limiting example of instructions 42 for crocheting the body 110 may be:

Using X mm crochet hook with Y dc and Z rnds gauge.

Special Stitches:

BPdc (back post double crochet): Yarn over, insert hoor from back to front to back around post of next st, (yarn over and pull though 2 loops) twice.

-   -   BPhdc (back, post half double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook         from back to front to back around post of next st, yarn over and         pull though 3 loops.     -   FPDC (front post double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook from         fron to back to front around post of next st, (yarn over and         pull though 2 loops) twice.         Hat: Ch 4, join with slip st to form ring.     -   Rnd 1: Ch1, (sc, A hdc, B dc) into ring—C sts. Do not join;         place marker in first st or rnd and move up as you work the         rnds.     -   Rnd 1: D dc in each st around—E dc.     -   Rnd 3: (Dc in next dc, F dc in next dc) around—G dc.     -   Rnd 4: Dc in each dc around.     -   Rnd 5: (Dc in next dc, H dc in next dc around—I dc.     -   Rnd 6: for adult size only—Dc in each dc around.     -   Rnd 7: for adult size only—(J dc in next dc, dc in in next K         dc)—L dc.     -   Rnds 6-10 or 8-12: Dc in each dc around.     -   Rnd 11 or 13: (FPdc, BPdc) around.     -   Rnd 12 or 14: (FPdc, BPdc) to last M sts, Fphdc in next st,         (BPhdc in next st) twice, FPhdc in next st, sc in next st, slip         st in next st.     -   Fasten. Weave in ends.         Where X, Y, and Z represent crochet needle size. In one         embodiment, the crochet needle size can be 6 mm, 12 dc, and 7         rnds. Where A through M may be predetermined quantities or         varied quantities based on the desired size of the final garment         100 (see FIG. 5).

The instructions 42 may also include a visual or written description for securing the topper 20 to the body 110. A non-limiting example of a set of visual instructions 42 for securing the topper 20 are shown in FIG. 4.

A non-limiting example of a final garment 100 having a body 110 adorned with the topper 20 is shown in FIG. 5.

Moving to FIGS. 6-8, in which a non-limiting example of a set of steps is shown for packaging the kit 1 as seen in FIG. 1. In this example, the first step in packaging the kit 1 requires providing or obtaining each of the items laid out in FIG. 2. This may include taking a length of yarn 10 and wrapping said yarn 10 into the ball shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 shows the step of securing the stabilizer 30 to the inner surface of the wrapper 40. An adhesive may be used to secure the stabilizer 30 in place. If an adhesive is used to attach the stabilizer 30 to the inner surface of the wrapper and the inner surface of the wrapper contains the instructions, then the adhesive should be one that would allow the stabilizer to be removed while keeping the instructions printed on the wrapper intact. The stabilizer 30 should be securely held in place so that the stabilizer 30 does not inadvertently fall from the packaged kit 1. The stabilizer 30 may be securely packaged in other ways, such as being pre-engaged with the retentioner 24.

FIG. 7 shows a non-limiting example of the placement of the wrapper 40 with respect to the yarn 10. In one embodiment, the aperture 44 through the wrapper 40 should be disposed relative to the wrapped yarn 10 such that an axis through the center of the wrapped yarn 10 would pass through the aperture 44.

FIG. 8 shows a non-limiting example of the placement of the topper 20 onto the package. In one embodiment, the retentioner 24 may be run through the aperture 44 of the wrapper 40 and down approximately through the center of the wrapped yarn 10. In another embodiment, the retentioner 24 may be run though the aperture 44 of the wrapper 40 and down through the sides of the wrapped yarn 10. In this embodiment, the end of the retentioner 24 could be joined together to help secure the topper 20 onto the package. In another embodiment, the retentioner 24 may be run through the aperture 44 or the wrapper 40, through the through holes 32 on the stabilizer 30, and down through either the center or sides of the wrapped yarn 10. As should be clear from the comparison of FIG. 8 with FIG. 1, the package may be completed by encircling the yarn 10 with the wrapper 40, and securing the ends of the wrapper 40 together. In one embodiment, the ends may be connected by adhesive. In another embodiment, the ends may be connected by other means such as a tab and a corresponding slot. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the retentioner 24 may be entrapped between the connected ends of the wrapper 40 to assist with securing the topper 20 as part of the packaged kit 1.

Although the above disclosure has been presented in the context of exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A kit for creating a knitted garment, the kit comprising: a length of yarn; a topper; and a stabilizer.
 2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the length of yarn comprises a continuous length with at least two segments of different textures.
 3. The kit of claim 1, wherein the length of yarn comprises a continuous length with at least three segments of different textures.
 4. The kit of claim 1, wherein the length of yarn comprises a continuous length with at least two segments of different colors.
 5. The kit of claim 1, wherein the length of yarn comprises a continuous length with at least three segments of different colors.
 6. The kit of claim 1, wherein the length of yarn comprises a continuous length with at least two segments of different colors and textures.
 7. The kit of claim 1, wherein the length of yarn is at least 40 meters.
 8. The kit of claim 1, wherein the topper comprises an ornament and a retentioner.
 9. The kit of claim 8, wherein the retentioner comprises at least two straps.
 10. The kit of claim 9, wherein the at least two straps comprise a ribbon.
 11. The kit of claim 1, wherein the stabilizer comprises a disk-like shape with at least one through-hole.
 12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the stabilizer comprises a foam.
 13. The kit of claim 1 further comprising instructions for creating a knitted garment.
 14. The kit of claim 1, wherein the knitted garment is a hat.
 15. A method for packaging a kit of items used to knit a garment, the method comprising: wrapping a yarn into a generally spherical shape placing a wrapper adjacent to the yarn such that an aperture through the wrapper generally corresponds with an axis through the middle of the wrapped yarn; mounting a topper upon the yarn by passing at least a portion of the topper through the aperture of the wrapper and generally though the center of the wrapped yarn; attaching a stabilizer to the wrapper; encircling the yarn with the wrapper; and connecting together the ends of the wrapper to complete the package.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the wrapper comprises a printed set of instructions.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising entrapping a portion of the topper between the ends of the wrapper.
 18. A method for creating a knitted garment comprising the steps of: obtaining the kit of claim 1; using a knitting technique to convert the yarn into the knitted garment; and using the stabilizer to attach the topper to the knitted garment.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the knitting technique comprises knitting or crocheting.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the knitted garment comprises a hat. 